Scheyer officially joins Blue Devils’ staff

Jon Scheyer is returning to the United States, putting his playing career behind him, to step into his new career path.
On Monday, Duke announced that Scheyer, the point guard on Duke’s 2010 NCAA championship team, is joining Mike Krzyzewski’s staff as a special assistant coach.
An All-American player, Scheyer played his final game in Europe’s ACB League on Sunday in Barcelona, Spain, for Gran Canaria, which is based in the Canary Islands. Scheyer scored seven points with five assists and four rebounds.
Gran Canaria has three games left in its regular season, but Scheyer worked out details with club officials that allow him to return to Durham to start his coaching career.
Krzyzewski, in a statement released by the school on Monday, said he is thrilled to add Scheyer to the coaching staff that also includes former Duke captains Steve Wojciechowski, Jeff Capel and Nate James.
“Jon Scheyer is one of the amazing champions we’ve had in this program, and he’s certainly one of the greatest young men to ever wear the Duke uniform,” Krzyzewski said. “He’s universally loved by Duke fans. It is incredibly exciting to be part of his journey to become a coach.”
On his website, jonscheyer.com, Scheyer posted a letter to Gran Canaria’s players, coaches, front office officials and fans.
He thanked his teammates for being close friends and the fans for their passionate support.
“I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish as a team so far, and I wish the team the best of luck the rest of the season,” Scheyer wrote. “I will be watching! Thanks again to my teammates and coaches for understanding my situation and sticking by me.”
When Duke made the official announcement of Scheyer’s hiring Monday, the staff and Scheyer’s former teammates took to Twitter to congratulate him.
“So excited to have Jon Scheyer back home at Duke!” Wojciechowski said. “A national champ, All American player and person will make us all better! Welcome home!”
Scheyer, from Northbrook, Ill., played from 2007-10 at Duke. In his senior year, he averaged 18.2 points, 4.9 assists and 1.6 steals. He was named a second team All-American and was first team All-ACC.
His professional career included a stop in the NBA Developmental League before he played overseas.
“I am extremely fortunate to be able to come back to Duke,” Scheyer said. “It is a tremendous honor to be on Coach K’s staff, and it is something I will cherish. I want to continue to learn from the entire staff and bring whatever I can to help the program.”
Scheyer takes over the job that James held for the past two years. As a special assistant, Scheyer is not allowed to be on the road recruiting or work with players on the court. But NCAA rules do allow him to work on game strategies, break down game film, plan practices and contribute in staff meetings.
“Jon will add all the things he brought to Duke as a player, this time as a member of our staff,” Krzyzewski said. “We are so proud that Jon is joining us at Duke.”